The Best Boutique Hotels In Rouen France

Trace the River Seine north and you’ll eventually come to the city of Rouen in Normandy. Medieval houses and gothic churches pepper the cobblestone city, including Cathédrale Notre-Dame, famously painted by Monet. There are lots of great local businesses here, including a wide variety of accommodation, so choose one of these boutique hotels for a truly authentic stay in Rouen.

1. Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

Hotel

This 15th-century listed building appears to blend in seamlessly with historic Rouen, courtesy of its cobbled courtyard, wrought-iron lamps and château-like spires. However, its interiors straddle the centuries thanks to a neon-backlit pool and hot tub, built-in white wardrobes and Pop art canvases. Stay in the double guest room and you’ll even find a brooding Fight Club-era Brad Pitt staring out from the walls.

2. Château de Belmesnil

Boutique Hotel

Large double bed with curtain in a large open plan room featuring a silver candelabra at Château de Belmesnil 1.

A half-hour drive east of Rouen’s city centre comes this regal 6ha (15 acre) estate dating back to the 18th century. Its 10 stylish rooms include four suites with king-size beds, bathtubs and espresso machines. Although there’s no restaurant on site for lunch or dinner, you’ll be well served for breakfast options with generous continental fare, including a selection of jams, fruit and freshly baked goodies.

3. Manoir de Captot

Boutique Hotel

Double bed with white sheets in ornate room with traditional French wallpaper and old portraits on the wall at Manoir de Captot.

Surrounded by the Roumare Forest, home to wild boar and deer, this offbeat manor house comes with the advantage of a peaceful leafy setting while remaining just a 15-minute drive away from the centre of Rouen. The bold pink wallpaper, gold-framed portrait paintings and stag head wall mount ensure the place retains much of its 18th-century quirks.

5. Le Vieux Carré

Boutique Hotel

Small round tables and wicker chairs on the outdoor patio at Le Vieux Carré. Green French doors and windows opening out onto the patio.

Le Vieux Carré is a classically Norman half-timbered house that provides a homely bed and breakfast feel in a serviced hotel. Its 13 rooms are each decorated with a different motif – some floral, some colourful and others more subdued. Their salon de thé offers a tea service from a well-curated selection, rotated every six months, and home-made baked goods are served in the charming courtyard terrace from 3pm to 7pm. If tea isn’t your thing, they have fresh pressed juices and hot chocolate on offer as well. There’s also a restaurant, open for lunch only, with an extremely well-priced menu and delicious home-cooked dishes.

6. Les Initiés

Boutique Hotel, Pubs with Rooms

Small double bed with white sheets and yellow pillows in a small, airy room at Les Initiés.

Les Initiés is a convivial spot combining a laid-back bar with inviting rooms, some of which are lucky enough to have a view of the neighbouring and ornate Palais de Justice. Owners Christelle and Philippe provide a warm welcome, whether you’re just stopping by for a pint in the pub, a bite to eat on their street-side terrace or looking for a place to spend the night. A continental breakfast is served daily as part of your stay.

Christine Wilson contributed additional reporting to this article.

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